Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A charming Mid-Century Modern stylized brass figurine depicting a standing gazelle or antelope with elongated limbs and tall, twisted horns. This piece captures the era's obsession with sleek, biomorphic animal forms that brought a touch of exotic elegance into the post-war suburban home.
Story
Post-war homes embraced a new design language of sleek, organic shapes. This brass gazelle was created during the height of the global brass export boom, designed to sit on a teak credenza alongside houseplants and abstract art.
Maker / Origin
While often unsigned, these stylized brass animals were produced by skilled metal workshops in India (particularly Moradabad) and Korea for Western import companies. Designers of the era, inspired by high-end Italian sculptors like Aligi Sassu, created simplified, elegant animal silhouettes that could be mass-produced yet hand-finished.
Condition & Value
The figurine shows a beautiful vintage patina with some minor surface oxidation, light scuffs, and residual polish in the crevices. This natural aging is highly desirable to collectors and should not be aggressively polished away. Excellent structural condition with no bends to the delicate horns.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.